Ovarian Failures, Premature

Medical Condition:
Ovarian Failures, Premature

Premature failure of ovulation associated with hypergonadotropinism and hypoestrogenism in women under the age of 40. The etiology appears to be multifactorial and many cases are idiopathic. When follicles are present but the ovaries are unable to respond to gonadotropins, resistant ovary syndrome results and this may be associated with autoimmune disease. Even when there is a loss of ovarian follicles, it is not always complete. Permanent and irreversible loss of follicles is termed premature menopause (MENOPAUSE, PREMATURE).